Black Population In Seattle (Rainier: move, beach, activities)

[The_Fairfaxian]

Originally Posted by moddestmike

I try but sadly I am generalized into the "Uncle Tom" and "Oreo" categories. I don't care but its sad that Afrocentric people view me this way.

I'm usually classified in the same category as you due having more inclusive opinions like the one you expressed earlier. This is also the reason why I'm not excited about staying in the D.C. Area after I graduate. Despite the "success" that many blacks apparently have here, the majority (or maybe just the most vocal) blacks are very Afrocentric! Because of that (or just because of prejudice upbringings), the non-black population tends to heavily stereotype the blacks with a broad brush as being uneducated, bitter, and poor. Also, the diversity in this area generally fuels more self-segregation than affable integration. Now the amount of prejudice isn't the worst in the country (I have noted a lot of racial integration among older adults and settled families in some Northern Virginian suburbs), but the population that seems to portray the most prejudice and segregation is the people in my age demographic (the 18-26 yuppie college graduate population) and the transplants from the Bos-Wash Northeastern States (whom seem to dominate the area, especially in this age group).

From what I heard, the racial climate in Seattle is pretty opposite of what I've described. From what I gather, I'm almost certain that:
-I won't get crapped on by most local blacks for not being "hood enough"
-I won't be seen as a walking stereotype by whites, Asians, and those of other ethnicity
-I probably won't face the "Seattle Freeze" as long as I'm willing to be social myself (but seeing to how many people are in the D.C. area, the Seattle Freeze seems like a relief)

The only question that ponders me is how can a soon-to-be college grad living in Maryland would go about landing a job in the Seattle area, particularly an entry-level position in the fields of general business, banking, financial consulting, financial analysis, or statistical analysis. If anyone has any particular solutions about how to successfully land a job in the Seattle area, I would really appreciate it .

[vaillance]

This year I moved from LA to a small town in eastern WA, and the worst thing about living here is the lack of diversity. I happen to be a progressive white female, and I feel like I'm suffocating here. A town now feels very wrong to me when it has no black residents, when most everyone around me is white. I'd like to find a small progressive farming town with a thriving black community in eastern WA, but I don't think it exists, does it? I recently went to a hip hop concert in the local progressive town called Twisp, and, well... let's just say that you couldn't get much whiter than that.

[moddestmike]

Originally Posted by The_Fairfaxian

I'm usually classified in the same category as you due having more inclusive opinions like the one you expressed earlier. This is also the reason why I'm not excited about staying in the D.C. Area after I graduate. Despite the "success" that many blacks apparently have here, the majority (or maybe just the most vocal) blacks are very Afrocentric! Because of that (or just because of prejudice upbringings), the non-black population tends to heavily stereotype the blacks with a broad brush as being uneducated, bitter, and poor. Also, the diversity in this area generally fuels more self-segregation than affable integration. Now the amount of prejudice isn't the worst in the country (I have noted a lot of racial integration among older adults and settled families in some Northern Virginian suburbs), but the population that seems to portray the most prejudice and segregation is the people in my age demographic (the 18-26 yuppie college graduate population) and the transplants from the Bos-Wash Northeastern States (whom seem to dominate the area, especially in this age group).

From what I heard, the racial climate in Seattle is pretty opposite of what I've described. From what I gather, I'm almost certain that:
-I won't get crapped on by most local blacks for not being "hood enough"
-I won't be seen as a walking stereotype by whites, Asians, and those of other ethnicity
-I probably won't face the "Seattle Freeze" as long as I'm willing to be social myself (but seeing to how many people are in the D.C. area, the Seattle Freeze seems like a relief)

The only question that ponders me is how can a soon-to-be college grad living in Maryland would go about landing a job in the Seattle area, particularly an entry-level position in the fields of general business, banking, financial consulting, financial analysis, or statistical analysis. If anyone has any particular solutions about how to successfully land a job in the Seattle area, I would really appreciate it .

Start with a functional resume. I'm only 25 but one thing I have learned is to have a well defined resume. Even if you don't have much experience, make sure its a resume that will catch the eye of the employer. Second, hit up the job boards but be careful of those horrible sales jobs promising you huge commissions (most are cold-calling or door-to-door sales). You may have to swallow your pride a bit and take an entry-level banker job. Pay may not be much but something is better than nothing and this will help pad your resume. If you need help creating one, I've got some excellent templates and I consider myself a good writer. PM me if any help is needed/wanted. I'll be happy to oblige.

[orangeblossom]

I'm on the yahoo group for SUYLP and they seem to put together many events from networking to fund raising so as a young newbie,I would involve myself in that. I myself have thrown myself into ESL among other things,but Ive attended a few events through them. Good luck and welcome to the city.

[MFetch]

One way to meet a lot of successful black folk in Seattle is to get involved in the non-profit world. I took a training course offered by the United Way called Project Lead (its purpose to to get more people of color on not-for-profit boards) and was amazed by all the people I met who live right here in the city, were very educated and personable and involved in the community.

Also, joining the Central District Forum for the Arts would be a good idea. Not only do they host really great events. Several years back they put together a "Blacks in Science Fiction" event where I got to meet Walter Mosley the late great Octavia Butler.

[pirate_lafitte]

I found something out a few days ago. I went to a website to look at some statistics about per-capita incomes. I found out that Seattle has one of the highest per-capita incomes among African-Americans in cities of 500,000+ people or higher. I think Seattle ranked 3rd. San Jose is #1.

[XXclimberX]

Originally Posted by vaillance

I'd like to find a small progressive farming town with a thriving black community in eastern WA, but I don't think it exists, does it? I recently went to a hip hop concert in the local progressive town called Twisp, and, well... let's just say that you couldn't get much whiter than that.

Your post is almost funny, not trying to be silly or anything but how many black people farm? Most of the small towns in eastern oregon and eastern washington are hispanic, native american and white. And these days it seems to be tilting more hispanic. AFter all diversity is not just black and white.

That being said I think Seattle is a great town for any ethnicity. The west coast in general is just more comfortable then the east coast if you ask me.

To the OP I think you will have a great time living in the NorthWest.

[Jen826]

Originally Posted by Fancy92

I am thinking about moving to the Seattle area this year. I currently live in Maryland, I have always lived on the east coast and feel it's time for a change. I have 2 13 years old kids, so I am looking for somewhere with a good school district. Can anyone tell me where would be the best place in Seattle and its suburbs to move to?

What part of MD? I was born and raised here, and then went to school in the south and lived in D.C., NYC, and Atlanta, and am now back here with my husband so that our kids would be raised in an EXCELLENT area of the country.

In terms of suburbs, I suggest Bellevue, Northshore, and Lake Washington School districts. That means the eastside suburbs (Bellevue, Kirkalnd, Bothell, Redmond etc). I'm not sure where you plan on working or what your buget is, but I can suggest a better fit with better data.

My husband, who was raised in NY and Boston would prefer us to be in a more diverse area but doesn't want to pay for private schools. Any suggestions on Seattle neighborhoods that have good k-12 public schools? I've been able to find good k-5 schools in one area then great 10-12 schools in others, the middle schools are a toss up. Thanks and great forum, I've been loving the knowledge and amused by some the misconceptions of the area. More gangsta here than in the south...um ok?

[mitsuturbo]

Originally Posted by moddestmike

I try but sadly I am generalized into the "Uncle Tom" and "Oreo" categories. I don't care but its sad that Afrocentric people view me this way.

It's called self segregation. It's a form of racism, and it's abhorrent, if you ask me. It's really sad that some people are rejected by their peers because they don't "act their ethnicity". It goes both ways. I'm of the opinion that the people perpetuating the rejection are, by design, racist (in some form) and they don't even realize it. Such terms as "Uncle Tom" are sometimes considered just as insulting as the most well known of racial epithets, depending on the target.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by mitsuturbo

It's called self segregation. It's a form of racism, and it's abhorrent, if you ask me. It's really sad that some people are rejected by their peers because they don't "act their ethnicity". It goes both ways. I'm of the opinion that the people perpetuating the rejection are, by design, racist (in some form) and they don't even realize it. Such terms as "Uncle Tom" are sometimes considered just as insulting as the most well known of racial epithets, depending on the target.

Self-segregation is a phenomenon that has existed all over this nation. Some places it is more pronounced than others.
In response to the statement of "not acting one's race" and being rejected for it, that is something I can directly relate to.